How to Get Started with Shuttle or Needle Tatting

First, decide if you will learn shuttle tatting, needle tatting, or both. I find needle tatting easier, but most books, online tutorials, and patterns are geared toward the shuttle tatter, so it may be easier to learn if you start with the more common method. Both methods of tatting require two hands. However, needle tatting is easier if you have limited hand mobility, as shuttle tatting requires a great deal of manual dexterity.

Once you decide on your preferred method, find someone to teach you or find some video to watch. Tatting is extremely difficult to learn without some form of visual aid. With the recent upsurge in interest in tatting, many states have local guilds or more informal groups that you can turn to. A great resource to find local groups is International Old Lacers, Inc. If you can't find a tatting group near you, try watching online video or joining an online class.

One of the best things about tatting is that it's very portable, largely because you don't need many supplies. However, you do need some basics in order to get started. I hate buying a lot of new equipment for a new hobby that I'm not even sure if I'll like, so these lists are just the basics. For both types of tatting, you need a small crochet hook, some good fabric scissors, and thread. You can tat with almost any string, rope, thread, etc., but I recommend starting with a large-size smooth thread. Thread size decreases as thread number increases, so a size 20 thread is actually larger than a size 30. A size 10 thread is a good starting size because it's easy to see your individual stitches. Feel your thread before buying it. If a thread feels rough to the touch, it's not going to slide together as easily and it will be more difficult to pick out your mistakes later. The size crochet hook you need depends on what size thread you are using. For a size 10 thread, a US size 7 or 8 steel hook is a good fit. For other thread size crochet hook matches, check out this conversion chart from About.com. Buy a crochet hook that is just large enough to grasp the thread you are using without splitting it, and remember that you can buy smaller crochet hooks as you become more comfortable and you move to smaller threads.

If you plan on shuttle tatting, buy two shuttles. You'll start learning with one shuttle, but some very simple techniques require two. Many plastic shuttles come in two-packs anyway. Plastic Clover shuttles with a pick (a small upturned point) are readily available online and very inexpensive. These shuttles do not have a bobbin, so you have to wind your thread around your shuttle each time. Another type of shuttle is one with a removable bobbin, although these are usually more expensive. I would start with the least expensive shuttles you can find, and then experiment with others once you are more comfortable with the basic movements.

Unlike a shuttle that will work with any size thread you choose, a tatting needle must be matched with the size thread you plan on using. A #5-0 tatting needle is appropriate for a size 10 or 20 thread. While needle numbers do not match thread numbers, needle size numbers do increase as needle size decreases. Eventually, you will want to buy a set of tatting needles, so that you will have the necessary sizes for a variety of threads.

Finally, don't be frustrated by your initial attempts. You can make many beautiful lace projects with tatting, but the initial learning process requires making a lot of medallions, stars, butterflies and other simple motifs. Take the time to really concentrate on these simple projects, as they afford you the opportunity to develop consistent tension and technique, must-haves for more complicated projects.